News Release

For more information contact: Linda Berry, (785) 271-3269 or Samir Arif, (785) 271-3188

September 8, 2016

Governor Brownback Signs Proclamation For Kansas Energy Week


Topeka, KS - To highlight the abundant energy resources in Kansas, and the benefits of efficient energy consumption, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback signed a proclamation that recognizes September 11th - September 20th as Energy Week in Kansas.

The State of Kansas and the Kansas Corporation Commission have taken an "all-of-the-above" approach to harnessing energy resources through the use of technology and innovation.

The energy industry employs approximately 40,000 Kansans, and has a roughly $2 billion impact on the Kansas economy.

The Kansas oil and natural gas industry is nearly a $2.8 billion industry. Technological advancements have allowed oil and natural gas producers to remain among the most productive in the country. Kansas ranks 9th in the nation for oil production, and despite recent fluctuations in crude oil prices, the amount of new drilling permits has recently increased.

The state averages more than 200 days of full or partial sunshine each year, giving Kansas significant solar energy resources. Projects like Westar Energy's Community Solar Program and Kansas City Power and Light's Solar Power Rebate have created new incentives for customers to take advantage of Kansas" abundant sunshine.

In 2015, 5 new wind farms came online in Kansas. The 33 wind farms in Kansas generated 3,762 megawatts of wind power in 2016, with an additional 1,300 megawatts coming online from 7 new wind farms currently under construction. Nearly 24% of power in Kansas comes from wind, and the state has enormous potential for additional wind power in the future.

During Energy Week, the Kansas Department of Commerce will be hosting the 2016 Kansas Energy Conference in Wichita on September 13th and 14th. The conference will highlight the latest developments in the renewable energy sector and will feature three general sessions and several breakout sessions focusing on public sustainability programs, wind, solar, green efficiency programs, renewable energy storage and oil & gas.

The Kansas Corporation Commission is the regulatory body tasked with ensuring that Kansans have access to safe, reliable, and affordable energy.